Did You Know?

There Are Scientifically Proven Benefits of Being Kind!

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KINDNESS IS TEACHABLE

“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people
can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to
others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Dr.
Ritchie Davidson , University of Wisconsin

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the
brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood
and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.”
This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino
effect and improve the day of dozens of people!

KINDNESS INCREASES:

THE LOVE HORMONE

Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally
referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood
pressure and improving our overall heart-health. Oxytocin also
increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful
when we’re in anxious or shy in a social situation.

ENERGY

“About half of participants in one study reported that they
feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also
reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased
feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater
Good Science Center

HAPPINESS

A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136
countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case,
people who were generous financially, such as with charitable
donations—were happiest overall.

LIFESPAN

“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains.
Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as
aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who
volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44%
lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out
every other contributing factor, including physical health,
exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many
more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week
or going to church.” Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness;
In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents”

PLEASURE

According to research from Emory University, when you are kind
to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light
up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver.
This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”

SEROTONIN

Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the
production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your
wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

KINDNESS DECREASES:

PAIN

STRESS

Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress
hormone) and age slower than the average population!

ANXIETY

A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six
acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant
increase in positive moods, relationship satisfaction and a
decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.
University of British Columbia Study

DEPRESSION

Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of
Medicine found that when we give of ourselves, everything from
life satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is
significantly improved. Mortality is delayed, depression is
reduced and well-being and good fortune are increased.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure. According to
Dr. David R. Hamilton, acts of kindness create emotional warmth,
which releases a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the
release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood
vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is
known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by
lowering blood pressure.